By HENRY AKUBUIRO
It never rains but pours for the renowned prolific author, folklorist and historian, Dr. Bukar Usman. Two months after he was honoured by a group of Hausa poets, he has been nominated for another award in connection with his contributions to the growth of Hausa literature by another association.
In a Notification of a Merit Award to the president of the Nigerian Folklore Society, the Alkalam Kungiyar Marubuta Hausa (Association of Hausa Books Authors), said, in keeping with its commitment to institute an annual award to be vested on distinguished writers on genres of Hausa literature, Dr. Usman has been nominated among the four recipients to be conferred with the “Dr. Abubakar Imam Merit Award on Hausa Literature”.
Dr. Usman has already sent an acceptance letter to the organisers, addressed to Malam Mahmoon Baba-Ahmed, the association’s patron. The group will be making its maiden presentation to deserving recipients alongside activities marking the International Writers Day by the association from 3rd-4th March, 2017, at the banquet hall of Arewa House, Kaduna.
Earlier during its Annual Hausa Poetry Day with the theme “Curbing Drug Abuse and Violence among the Youths in Northern Nigeria,” held in Dutse, Jigawa State, between December 29, 2016, and January 1, 2017, the Ranar Mawakan Hausa Foundation, an amalgam of Hausa poets, honoured Usman for his unmatched contributions towards the development of Nigerian cultural heritages, indigenous languages and literature (especially Hausa poetry and songs).
The awardee, who was represented by Khalid lmam, a member of Board of Trustees of Poets in Nigeria (PIN) and PIN Kano Centre Connect Lead Rep., was described as “a man with uncommon passion for folklore and Hausa poetry”. Dr. Usman, a recipient of many national and international awards, was recognised at the ceremony for his generous philanthropic activities, which include financial and educational supports to dozens of Hausa poets over the years.
He was described by the president of RMHF, Alhaji Aminu Ladan Abubakar, as “Ginshikin Adabi” (Pillar of Literature). The 74-year award recipient is the author of 30 books, including A History of Biu, Taskar Tatsuniyoyi, among others.
Usman was garlanded together with other outstanding Nigerians, such as the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Dutse, Professor Fatima Batulu Muktar; Major Hamza Almustapha, former chief security officer to the Military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha; and professor Salisu Ahmed Yakasai of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.